Blog Archives

Trucker Health: What is a healthy portion size

Understanding the difference between serving size and portion size.

Truck drivers have a higher rate of obesity and diabetes than the national average compared other occupations. The long hours of sitting and limited access to healthy food options play a big part as to why. We all know that eating healthy at a truck stop can be challenging sometimes but not impossible. HealthyTrucker.com had nutritionist, Andrea Morley go into a TA truck stop to see what kind of healthy choices are available to visitors.

How to make a healthy breakfast in your truck

Breakfast IS the most important meal of the day, providing that it’s a healthy meal, and not a bowl full of sugar cereal. A greasy breakfast sandwich and sugar-filled donut are not beneficial to your health or well-being.

A better way to start the day is with an unprocessed, nutrient-filled meal that doesn’t force our bodies to kick into high gear trying to process all of the junk. A healthy breakfast will keep you full while minimizing the junk food cravings. Plus, it will provide you with long-lasting energy and focus throughout the day.

But for many truck drivers, a healthy breakfast doesn’t always seem possible. So you need to be prepared. You may be thinking there is no way of making a healthy breakfast in the truck every day, but you’ll soon find it’s not only easy but also delicious and budget-friendly.

Trucker guide to avoid and manage diabetes

Did you know that more than 9 percent of the population (30 million Americans) have diabetes? Approximately one quarter is 65 years of age or older. The American Diabetes Association estimates the disease accounts for $237 billion for direct medical costs and $90 billion in reduced productivity. That means diabetes is extremely costly – financially and physically. Both of which can put a real drain on your quality of life.

The good news is that there are things you can do to minimize the likelihood of becoming diabetic as well as several practical things you can do to manage it, if you have diabetes.

Truck Driver’s Guide To Healthier Lifestyle

A Good Plan Is Essential For Losing Weight

Studies have shown that truck drivers have a much higher incidence of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes than other industries. Being overweight is one of the main factors for many truck driver health issues. The key to any weight loss plan is you’ve got to believe in yourself and realize losing weight requires small changes you can stick to so they build up over time. Eventually, new good habits will form leading to a healthier lifestyle and a trimmer you. In general, you’ll need to create a deficit of 250–500 calories per day to lose 1/2 to 1 pound per week. We’ve assembled a collection of practical tips for incorporating a healthier lifestyle.

TRUCK DRIVERS

Healthy Habits When You’re Out On The Road

A healthy lifestyle is key for the Long Distance Truck Driver

One of the biggest challenges for long-haul truck drivers, also known as over-the-road (OTR) trucker, is to maintain a healthy lifestyle while out on the road. OTR truck drivers travel long distances and can be away from home for weeks at a time. Trucking is a tough job that often leads to an unhealthy lifestyle. Many truck drivers rely on enormous amounts of caffeine and junk food to pass the time and get energy.

Rest stops can exacerbate this problem if they offer limited healthy food choices. At some truck stops, you can fuel, shower, eat and possibly even have your truck worked on, which can save you time by making one stop instead of several places to get food. However, staying healthy is essential. It’s critical for your well-being, as well as for success in your career. Establishing healthy habits can help prevent burnout and keep you energized throughout the day.

Here are 5 Health Tips for Over The Road Truck Drivers

As 2017 comes to an end and we get ready for 2018 and those New Year’s resolutions, we thought we’d share some of the top health articles from myfitnesspal.com. Tips like the best workouts for weight loss, appetite control strategies, healthy meal ideas and understanding risks of overweight.

Truckers Fund offers free vaccines for drivers

The St. Christopher’s Fund, the Owner Operators Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and the National Association of Independent Truckers (NAIT), are working together to provide truck drivers with vouchers for receiving free shingles, flu or pneumonia vaccinations.

High-protein snacks for when you’re on the road

Most truck drivers are very conscience of fuel for their trucks and keeping their trucks running at peak efficiency to get the most mileage out of every gallon. Too often, truckers don’t show the same diligence when it comes to fuel for their bodies. Truck driving is not an easy job. Long hours, hard work, and little sleep will take a toll on your body – especially if you are not eating right.

Truck Drivers Health Study

Did you know that nearly 1,700 long-haul truck drivers showed signs of ‘chronic disease risk factors’ in long-haul drivers, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity and sleep duration? 88 percent of the drivers surveyed said they had at least one risk factor — high-blood pressure, smoking, obesity, etc. — for chronic disease, compared to 54 percent of the general U.S. adult working population.

A total of 1670 long-haul drivers were surveyed for the study at truck stops around the country. Of those, 64.5 percent reported being company drivers, while 35.5 reported being owner-operators. More than 60 percent were between the ages of 40 and 59, and 17 percent were between 30-39. Another 14.8 percent were between 60 and 69.

PTSD increasing among truck drivers

Involvement in or witnessing fatal accidents takes its toll on drivers.

Long-haul truckers are increasing exposed to a variety trauma often leading to more serious mental-health issues. Even more tragic is that the demands of the job often mean they have trouble accessing the care they need. Whether a driver is directly involved in a fatal accident or just a witness to one, the effects can be devastating.